SAN DIEGO, Feb. 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The urban legend that a dog's mouth is cleaner than a human's is not true, which means they can suffer from some of the same oral health problems people do. A dog's breath isn't necessarily pleasant, but exceedingly smelly mouths often mean there is a buildup of odor-producing bacteria that can lead to other issues. To help pet parents recognize warning signs to avoid the doggie dentist, Petco™ is offering free Oral Health Seminars February 16 and 17 at 1 p.m. Petco's WholePets commitment means taking care of all areas of a pet's health. Caring for a pet's dental health needs not only addresses their physical well-being, but also takes care of them mentally and emotionally.

Petco's free 30-minute seminars will focus on the following oral health concerns:

Bad Breath: Many times, exceedingly bad breath is caused by plaque and tartar, but sometimes it can mean there is a larger health issue. If bad breath is left untreated it can lead to tooth infections and tooth loss. Petco experts will go through information on preventing bad breath and warning signs that may mean a trip to the veterinarian is necessary. Plus, no one likes to cuddle with pets if their breath is unbearable so getting the problem fixed not only benefits a pet's physical health, but more cuddle time increases the human animal bond and provides emotional support for pets.

Tarter and Plaque Build Up: As mentioned, tarter and plaque buildup is a main cause of bad breath in pets. However, certain types of pets, like small dogs, can be prone to it. The good news is there are certain products like Greenies and Tropiclean that can be used at home to help fight this build up and keep pets healthy. Even providing pets a chew toy will allow a pet's teeth to be cleaned naturally and also keeps them mentally stimulated for long periods of time.

Prevention: Keeping pets teeth clean from the start will help avoid major issues related to oral health care. Bringing pets to the veterinarian for regular checkups and monitoring the state of a dog or cat's teeth is key in detecting any major issues. In addition, feeding a high-quality, easy-to-digest food is a great way to help combat plaque and tarter. Pet parents are encouraged to brush a pet's teeth frequently to bring out the best in their smile. Qualified Petco staff will be on hand during the seminars to demonstrate proper technique and share tips on how to brush teeth at home.

Petco is a leading pet specialty retailer that provides the products, services and advice that make it easier for our customers to be great pet parents. Everything we do is guided by our vision for Healthier Pets. Happier People. Better World. We operate more than 1,200 stores nationwide and in Puerto Rico, including more than 50 Unleashed by Petco locations, a smaller format neighborhood shop, and www.petco.com. The Petco Foundation, an independent nonprofit organization, has raised more than $100 million since it was created in 1999 to help promote and improve the welfare of companion animals. In conjunction with the Foundation, we work with and support approximately 8,000 local animal welfare groups across the country to help find homes for more than 350,000 animals through in-store adoption events every year.